Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
Posted on: February 16th, 2016
All pregnant women, even those with “easy” pregnancies, are confronted with psychological and physical challenges, but having an eating disorder while being pregnant compounds those challenges and presents serious risks for mother and child.
For those with an eating disorder that are planning a pregnancy, the wisest course of action is to seek professional help immediately and overcome your disorder before becoming pregnant. However, don’t be alarmed if you have an eating disorder and are currently pregnant. Once you understand the risks you can enlist the help of professionals and take measures to ensure the health of you and your baby.
Generally, the risks stem from poor nutrition. The baby receives all its nourishment from the mother’s body. When stores of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are inadequate, the woman’s body drains them to support the growth of the baby. If these reserves are not sufficiently restored through a balanced, healthy diet, the mother can become severely malnourished, leading to depression, exhaustion and other serious health complications.
The psychological impact is also concerning. Weight gain during pregnancy (averaging 25 – 35 lbs.) is often traumatic for those with eating disorders. Some manage to cope with the weight gain, recognizing that they’re making a sacrifice for the baby, but many become severely depressed as the weight gain triggers body-image issues.
If you are pregnant and have an eating disorder, please follow these guidelines:
- Be honest with your prenatal health provider regarding past or present struggles with an eating disorder.
- Schedule extra appointments with your prenatal health provider to more closely track the growth and development of your baby.
- Work with a nutritionist throughout the pregnancy to create a plan for healthy eating and weight gain. Continue to see a nutritionist postpartum to help you return to a normal weight in a healthy manner.
- If your doctor approves, attend a prenatal exercise class. This will help you establish an appropriate exercise program.
- Allow your prenatal health provider to weigh you. This information is essential to track the health of your baby. If you would prefer not to monitor your weight gain, ask your doctor about standing on the scale backwards and instruct them to not share the number with you.
- Under certain circumstances, for example if you suffer from severe depression or obsessive-compulsive problems, you may require medications for these conditions even during pregnancy.
- See a psychotherapist during and after pregnancy to help you cope with your concerns and fears regarding food, weight gain, body image and the new role of mothering. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com
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